Cadillac's XLR Luxury Roadster Showcases Innovative HID and LED Lighting Technology

PENDLETON, Ind., Feb. 27 -- When Cadillac's new XLR luxury roadster rolls off the assembly line this spring, it will feature the latest in HID and LED lighting technology.

The poised and powerful XLR will feature HID -- high intensity discharge - - headlamps and high-output LED -- light emitting diode -- taillamps designed and manufactured by Guide Corporation.

The headlamp utilizes an innovative bi-functional system that provides safety and performance in a very small package. The system employs a solenoid- driven shutter controlling both high and low beam functions through a single projector lens.

The small package size of the headlamp provided Guide Corporation designers a creative opportunity to harmonize the lamps with the XLR's stunning looks, technology, luxury and performance.

The XLR's taillamps feature new high-output LED technology reflecting a powerful and creative collaboration between Guide Corporation and Lumileds Lighting, the world's leading manufacturer of high-power LEDs.

Working with Lumileds' SnapLED(TM) high-output LEDs, Guide engineers designed a taillamp -- incorporating sidemarker, stop, and turn functions -- to match Cadillac's tradition of landmark design and advanced technology.

The use of 22 high-output LEDs provided new engineering challenges in both lamp function and manufacturability. While the new LEDs generate more light, they also generate more heat that -- if improperly managed -- can damage vehicle lamps. The problem was solved with Lumileds' patented SnapLED technology that attaches LEDs to a formed, thermally-dissipative copper lead frame. The LEDs are attached with a solderless clinch process that provides a mechanically robust and reliable system.

"Our licensing of the SnapLED technology allows us to manufacture a state- of-the-art LED subassembly in-house. This gives us a distinct advantage in developing creative LED lamps for any number of vehicle programs," said Jeff Mickel, executive vice president of research & development and technical marketing. "Our collaboration with Lumileds allows both companies to remain at the forefront of LED automotive lighting."

Guide Corporation is North America's leading supplier of exterior automotive lighting systems, including both forward and signal lighting.

The LED technology utilized by Guide Corporation, including the XLR taillamp and a prototype LED headlamp, will be showcased at Lumileds' display, booth 2268, at the SAE World Congress March 3-6.